US offshore wind foundations specialist Entrion Wind is exploring the feasibility of a new monopile concept for deeper waters with project developer Simply Blue Group.
The partners will explore the technical and economic feasibility of Entrion’s fully restrained platform (FRP) monopile foundation technology in 60-to-80-metre water depths. Waters deeper than this have typically necessitated the use of floating platforms rather than foundations fixed to the seabed.
Houston-based Entrion and Irish developer Simply Blue will compare the FRP technology to alternative foundation options and also aim to optimise the concept.
Entrion’s FRP technology consists of a monopile-type foundation that penetrates the seabed, and which is also stabilised by anchors and mooring lines typically used alongside floating platforms. Entrion would use a “top mooring assembly” device to connect the moorings to the transition piece above the water or to the monopile below water, it stated. This version of the design would be used for water depths up to 80 metres.
It is also developing a foundation for 100-metre water depths, which would also use a buoyant air can instead of the traditional transition piece to reduce loads and improve the natural frequencies of the system, Entrion CEO Eivind Johnsen said.
Certification body DNV verified a 1:2 prototype of the monopile following tests in Norway last year.
Entrion plans to build a demonstration project in 2025.
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